9 Best Chemical Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a White Cast

FAQ

What is a chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters that actually penetrate the skin, absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released through the skin, Dr. Kill explains. “Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate,” she says. Recently, new FDA-approved filters such as bemotriginol (also known as BEMT or Tinosorb S), which has been used for many years in Europe and other countries, have begun to enter the U.S. market, representing “an exciting advance for sunscreen innovation.” whitney hovenickMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.

Because these filters are designed to blend into the skin, chemical sunscreens often have a lightweight and elegant finish, making them especially appealing for everyday use and blending well under makeup.

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

The biggest difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is the way they protect your skin from UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens rely on organic filters that absorb ultraviolet light and dissipate that energy as heat,” says Dr. Kill. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin. These mineral filters absorb ultraviolet light and reflect and scatter some of the incoming rays.

In general, chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin, blend more easily, and leave less visible residue, while mineral sunscreens are often preferred by sensitive skin because they are less irritating. In the United States, many chemical sunscreen formulations offer excellent UVB protection, and avobenzone remains the leading filter approved for coverage of UVA1 (the long-wave UVA rays that penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and are most closely associated with premature aging and pigmentation).

Are chemical sunscreens safe?

meanwhile the study Although studies have shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the bloodstream with repeated applications, Dr. Kill said there is “no evidence of harmful side effects from these filters” and that to date there is no evidence that approved chemical sunscreen filters cause adverse health effects when used as directed. Dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. As with any skin care product, the best broad-spectrum sunscreen is ultimately the one you use consistently every day.

Are chemical sunscreens “bad” for sensitive skin?

Although this is not always the case, some people with sensitive skin find certain chemical sunscreen ingredients irritating. “Chemical sunscreens contain known allergens, such as oxybenzone, which is a commonly used filter,” says Dr. Kill. Additionally, some formulas contain propylene glycol, a humectant that helps sunscreen absorb into the skin, but can cause skin irritation in some people. However, not all chemical sunscreens are created equal. Many of the new formulas are free of common irritants like oxybenzone, fragrance, and propylene glycol, making them more tolerable for even sensitive skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, we recommend patch testing a new sunscreen before applying it all over your face.

What is a chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters that actually penetrate the skin, absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released through the skin, Dr. Kill explains. “Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate,” she says. Recently, new FDA-approved filters such as bemotriginol (also known as BEMT or Tinosorb S), which has been used for many years in Europe and other countries, have begun to enter the U.S. market, representing “an exciting advance for sunscreen innovation.” whitney hovenickMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.

Because these filters are designed to blend into the skin, chemical sunscreens often have a lightweight and elegant finish, making them especially appealing for everyday use and blending well under makeup.

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

The biggest difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is the way they protect your skin from UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens rely on organic filters that absorb ultraviolet light and dissipate that energy as heat,” says Dr. Kill. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin. These mineral filters absorb ultraviolet light and reflect and scatter some of the incoming rays.

In general, chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin, blend more easily, and leave less visible residue, while mineral sunscreens are often preferred by sensitive skin because they are less irritating. In the United States, many chemical sunscreen formulations offer excellent UVB protection, and avobenzone remains the leading filter approved for coverage of UVA1 (the long-wave UVA rays that penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and are most closely associated with premature aging and pigmentation).

Are chemical sunscreens safe?

meanwhile the study Although studies have shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients can be detected in the bloodstream with repeated applications, Dr. Kill said there is “no evidence of harmful side effects from these filters” and that to date there is no evidence that approved chemical sunscreen filters cause adverse health effects when used as directed. Dermatologists continue to recommend sunscreen as one of the most effective tools for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. As with any skin care product, the best broad-spectrum sunscreen is ultimately the one you use consistently every day.

Are chemical sunscreens “bad” for sensitive skin?

Although this is not always the case, some people with sensitive skin find certain chemical sunscreen ingredients irritating. “Chemical sunscreens contain known allergens, such as oxybenzone, which is a commonly used filter,” says Dr. Kill. Additionally, some formulas contain propylene glycol, a humectant that helps sunscreen absorb into the skin, but can cause skin irritation in some people. However, not all chemical sunscreens are created equal. Many of the new formulas are free of common irritants like oxybenzone, fragrance, and propylene glycol, making them more tolerable for even sensitive skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, we recommend patch testing a new sunscreen before applying it all over your face.

meet an expert

• Asumi Berry, D.O.is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at BHSkin Dermatology Practice based in Glendale, California.
• whitney hovenickMD, board-certified dermatologist, spooge Based in Reno, Nevada
• Erin KillMD, board-certified dermatologist at New Bloom Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Health System, based in New York City.
• pearl rimtepatipMD, board-certified dermatologist with Atlanta-based Metroderm
• Geeta YadavMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada
• jane yuMD, dual board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

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when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.

For our list of the best chemical sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five key categories: product ingredients and effectiveness, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product experience. All products have been judged outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, in addition to special consideration by dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.

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